In this guide
  1. Why the answer depends on where you live
  2. Why the content matters
  3. What we can and cannot tell you
  4. How to check your own rules
  5. What we do on this site
  6. The short version

Is CatchOn TV legal? This is a fair question, and the honest answer is that it depends on where you live and on what you watch. We are not lawyers, and nothing on this page is legal advice. This article sets out the points to consider so you can check your own position.

Why the answer depends on where you live

Copyright and broadcasting rules differ from country to country. In some places, watching a television service that is not licensed in your territory can be a breach of the law. In others, the rules focus on the people who supply unlicensed content rather than on viewers. Enforcement also varies, and a rule on paper is not the same as action in practice.

Why the content matters

A channel carried under a licence from its broadcaster is different from a stream of content that the rights holder has not authorised. Sport, films and series are the areas where rights holders are most active. When you choose a service, think about where its content comes from and whether it is licensed where you live.

What we can and cannot tell you

We do not supply channels and we do not hold broadcast rights in your country. We cannot confirm the licence status of every channel in the line-up, because line-ups change. Please do not rely on this site as a statement that everything offered is legal everywhere.

How to check your own rules

Read the copyright and broadcasting rules where you live, or ask a lawyer who knows them. Look at what your country’s broadcasters and regulators say about internet television. If you are unsure, the safest course is to use services that are licensed in your territory.

What we do on this site

We state our copyright policy, ask customers to respect the rights of others, and explain on our disclaimer that channel availability is not guaranteed. Our terms set out the responsibilities of each customer.

The short version

The answer depends on your country and on the content. Check the rules where you live, consider where the content is licensed, and make your own decision. For general questions about the service, see the FAQ.